« Only Paris is worthy of Rome, only Rome is worthy of Paris. » It is on this shared motto that Paris, the City of Light, and Rome, the Eternal City, sealed a symbolic alliance on January 30, 1956. Seventy years later, the friendship endures and is celebrated with a rich program that will unfold throughout the entire year of 2026, showcasing the values of both capitals, their culture, and their exceptional heritage.
Celebrating 70 Years of Twinning and Friendship
For their platinum anniversary, Paris and Rome are announcing a program that lives up to the occasion. The celebrations will kick off as early as January, with an official visit from the mayors who will reciprocally visit each other's sister city. The first meeting is set for January 29 in the Italian capital, which will light up one of its iconic monuments in the colors of France and offer a day filled with both institutional and cultural activities. In Paris, the festivities will start on January 30 with ceremonies in public spaces.Tribute to actresses Monica Vitti and Léa Massari and the inauguration of a photographic exhibition in partnership with the Alinari Foundation and the Italian Cultural Institute on the gates of the City Hall. At dusk, just like its twin capital, the City Hall will be draped in the colors of Italy.
The celebrations will continue throughout the year 2026 with a cultural program in Paris as well as in Rome, in partnership with prestigious Parisian institutions.
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Some Highlights in Paris :
From January 30 to February 26 : the exhibition “Rome, Today. Visions of a Transforming City,” showcasing the perspectives of young Roman photographers on contemporary Rome. Located on the banks of the Seine, at Pont Marie.
On Monday, February 2 at 8 PM : concert by Nicola Piovani at the Théâtre de la Ville ;
On Thursday, February 5 at 7 PM : discussion on diplomatic relations between Rome and Paris at the Hôtel de Ville Library ;
From April 7 to 12 : Italissimo, the traditional festival of Italian literature and culture, will celebrate this partnership by bringing together writers, artists, and works from both capitals ;
From July 2 to 6 : the Dolcevita festival on the Seine will this year feature a grand cinema celebration with exceptional artists and guests, as well as its big outdoor cinema experience.
